Best humidity & temperature levels for winter

As temperatures drop during the winter months in Ottawa, it's important to maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. Experts recommend keeping the relative humidity level in your home between 25% to 40% and maintaining in-home temperatures between 18°C to 24°C to achieve optimal comfort.

However, it's important to note that daily humidity levels can fluctuate based on various factors such as indoor activities and outdoor temperatures. For instance, cooking, cleaning, bathing, and even breathing can increase the levels of moisture in the air. If the humidity levels are too high, it can cause condensation on windows, mold growth, musty odors, allergic reactions, and damage to walls and interior finishes.

On the other hand, low levels of humidity, especially during the winter, can cause breathing difficulties, sore throat, static electricity, and dry skin. Achieving a perfect balance between humidity levels can be challenging, particularly in older homes where insulation and sealing may be less effective.

By being mindful of indoor activities and adjusting the thermostat and humidifier settings accordingly, you can achieve a comfortable and healthy indoor environment during the winter months in Ottawa.

Related blog posts